Sustainable Workforce

Access to education integrating sustainability skills is crucial to the future success of the South Carolina workforce.

Building a Sustainable Workforce is a common thread woven through every part of the Roadmap to Sustain SC.

Demand for sustainability-related skills in the job market has increased 40% since 2015. No longer limited to traditional hard sciences, these skills now encompass other areas like project management, emissions measurement, and knowledge of laws and regulations related to sustainability and resilience. 

Sustain SC is modernizing the workforce initiative to ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, enhance scientific research, upgrade technology capabilities and encourage sustainable innovation throughout every workforce sector.

Students and businesses connect during a Business to Student Networking (B2SN) Event at Furman University

 

Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant speaking to workforce leaders at Sustain SC’s Workforce Leaders Luncheon

Strategic Actions

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE IS A COMMON THREAD WOVEN THROUGH EVERY PART OF THE ROADMAP TO SUSTAIN SC. TOGETHER, OUR ACCELERATOR WORKING GROUPS ARE ADVANCING THE FOLLOWING INITIATIVES:

  • Collaborating with South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce to connect businesses with educators

  • Connecting industry HR managers and company decision makers with STEM talent pipeline

  • Establishing higher-ed working group to leverage sustainability best practices

  • Increasing the number of Sustainability training and educational programs offered through Sustain SC, the member network and partners

 Case Study

Business to Student Networking (B2SN) Events

These interactive sessions are designed to connect students with professionals from Sustain SC’s sustainability network, offering structured networking and real-life insights into careers in energy, engineering and environmental protection. In 2025, Sustain SC hosted six B2SN events in partnership with these South Carolina colleges:

  • Coastal Carolina University

  • College of Charleston

  • Darla Moore School of Business

  • Furman University

  • South Carolina State University